Running with Diabetes

[Sharon]

I am running my first 5k race soon, and was wondering if anyone had any hints about keeping my bloodsugar under control?
Thanks.

[Alice]

As a non-runner, I'm the least qualified to answer this! But what about a camel-back with gatorade to sip on gradually. Or, you can pop a glucose tab everynow and then. I would definitely cut back on insulin a little, although with me, the low comes after exercise...not usually during.

Will you be able to stop and do a quick test everyso often. How long (average) does it take to run 5K? Good luck!

[xMenace]

I am running my first 5k race soon, and was wondering if anyone had any hints about keeping my bloodsugar under control?
Thanks.

I would have thought you'd have figured it out by now. Or are you going to run in this with no training runs? .

[Scratch]

Even if you were a non-diabetic, I wouldn't recommend running a 5K race with no training. If you have been training, then I hope you've been collecting data about what running does to your blood sugars, by testing prior to running and testing afterwards.

That said, and having done 7 5Ks myself, my usual pattern has been that my blood sugar will spike upwards in a 5K, probably from all the adrenaline and the fact that I try to run a 5K near the aerobic/anaerobic threshold which stimulates my body to dump its glycogen reserves. Because of that, I am now usually in the habit of injecting 1 or 2 units of Novolog about 30 minutes prior to a race, depending on what my blood sugar is at that time. I bolded those things I said about myself because we are all individuals and subject to variance in what our bodies will do. You need to figure out what yours will do by testing and observation.

[dodo]

I ran a 5k last year and finished the race with a blood sugar level at 13.6. I was so scared to have an hypo that I drank too much Gatorade. But while I was training I used to only drink water and I was usually fine after.

The best tip is to test right before the race and if it's possible during the race.

Good luck!

[JaxTerri]

Coincendentely I'm doing my first 5k race tomorrow - Komen Breast cancer race. I did a 5 mile race on the beach in September and had a really hard time. I had been training some but the distance along with the heat and humidity really affected my BGs. Even though tomorrows race is at 8 am and the temps only around 78 at race time I am more prepared. I'm taking some glucose tabs in my fanny pack and will eat the pre-race breakfast w/fruit to help as well. During the last race I could tell when my sugar dropped and I felt like I hit a brick wall. I made it but dropped after I crossed the finish line and couldn't get up until someone brought me juice. I didn't take my meter either so I don't know how low I was...I'll bring that this time as well. I'm ready to go this time!

Good luck on your race! Have someone take your picture of each race you do and scrapbook the events. You'll be so proud of the progress that you make each time beating your own personal best!

[JaxTerri]

I finished my first 5K this morning. I made it in 53 minutes, walking all the way. It was a lot of fun and I'm doing another one next week so hopefully I'll beat my new personal best of 53 minutes. If I can do this ANYONE can so go for it!